“I
am is.” –William Faulkner.
Junior
year in high school, a book was assigned for the AP English III class. The book
was As I Lay Dying by William
Faulkner. That quote is from the book, As
I Lay Dying. The quote is conveying that the character is emphasizing his
being, his aliveness, and his recognition that he is in the present life, not
dead. Thus, I am is. I embrace that I am being; I am alive. However, does that
answer who I am? Or is it more helpful to engage you with all the activities I participate
in and people I surround myself with? If so, continuing reading will satisfy
you.
What I do is what I value, as
long as I am enjoying it. I value playing and reading music not only to
participate and engage in an ensemble but to uplift myself and do something I enjoy.
I also value the game of golf, it is challenging and fun; I will be able to
play it all my life. After golf come bigger things such as education and family
which I value because I yearn to understand all subjects and my family is my
rock of support. Lastly, what I value most is my faith and always building or
remodeling my relationship with God. This is top priority because God is also a
rock of support, and someone all-knowing and understanding.
Consequently, my religious faith
came from growing up in a Catholic practicing home. My father converted to Catholicism
which influenced me to stick with the faith and be open to God. I started altar
serving young, received Sacraments up to Confirmation under the name, Saint
Agnes. I am faithful and attend mass every Sunday, listen and understand the
gospel. Being involved in a religion is important because it provides advice
and morals that are not harmful; rather they serve to better the community.
Additionally, the community/culture
I have participated in my whole life also forms my being for worse or for
better. I enjoy current alternative rock and older classic rock music. I am Catholic,
as previously stated. The way of life I live is American, dreams are big, cars
are fast, and roads are huge. Although it is an amazing place it is easy to be
self-centered towards the country and become uninformed about anything else
going on around the world. My culture is important to me because it provides
endless opportunities to learn about the rest of the world and other cultures
so that I may understand and interact appropriately.
I hope the rest of my life
brings laughter, love, and constant growth and learning. I want to learn as
much as possible in school from the teachers as possible. I hope I do what I enjoy
and continue to strengthen my faith. I hope to use my education to overcome
barriers in life and try to unify with the world. I wish to continue being. Being
alive, being understanding, being loving, and being loved in return.
“Go
confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”
-Henry David
Thoreau
